Fear spiked my spine at the three words.
Ten minutes later, a text came through my phone from Wyatt.
Be there in thirty. Stay put.
I replied back with a simpleK.
“How dangerous is this guy, anyhow?” Sawyer asked, sipping the rest of her milkshake from the straw.
“Hard to tell. Depends on how determined he is to really track me down. Or if he sent someone to do his dirty work.” How was my voice so calm when inside I was brimming with terror? My heart was beating way too fast, and I was trying the best I could to keep my emotions under control.
“That takes money.”
“I never said he didn’t have money,” I huffed quietly. “All I know is that Alan is getting on my last damn nerve. I can’t even start to get over what he did with him looming over me every step I take.” I took a breath. “Sorry. I just hate him.”
“Sounds like everyone does,” Sawyer said, laying a hand on my arm. “We’ll stay with you.”
“You two can go.” I looked at Miles first. “I don’t expect you to be caught in the crossfire.”
“We st-st-st-stay.”
“Kay,” I said, not liking the idea of having to be by myself, anyway.
“So, what movie should we watch later?” Sawyer asked.
“N-n-n-n-n-“ Miles huffed, giving up with talking.
“I know, notStar Wars. Or anything girly,” Sawyer said with an eye roll. “I have no clue what else is playing. We should go see something later after our sessions. Shoot! That starts soon.”
Miles quickly wrote something on his phone before placing it on the table towards us.
I can skip. This is more important.
“I can’t ask that of you,” I said, meeting his eyes. “Today’s a bad day, Miles. I know you need to go.”
He pushed the phone back, the same message still up.
“If you’re sure….”
He tapped the phone.
“All right, kids, anything else?” Sean asked, looking between us. When he saw our somber looks, his face dropped. “What’s up.”
“My friend here is in hiding. Can we stay for a bit?”
“Of course. I’ll bring you guys something to drink.” He went to turn but thought of something else to say. “Is there anyone I should be keeping an eye out for in case they come here to look for you, hun?”
“An older man that you haven’t seen before,” Sawyer said. “His picture’s been in the paper the last few months.”
“Oh? Well, I guess I won’t know who to look for. I don’t watch the news. To tell you the truth, I don’t ever keep up on all that.” The main phone began to ring, and he excused himself. My eyes followed him around the corner. Then, they glanced around the place again, looking for anything that was out of the ordinary.
Another text message came through, once again from an unknown number.
Your friends will be the first to go
My heart was in my throat, and I tried to keep my emotions under control.
“Most of the people are good ones,” Sawyer said. “l told you, this town has changed me—with your help, of course. You don’t ever need to worry about being on your own. You’re kind of stuck with me now.”
